How to find out if WMU is closed

Dec. 1, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Your radio alarm clock wakes you to news that several
elementary schools are closed because of a winter storm, but
there is no mention of classes at WMU. How do you find out if
the University is closed?

First, unless you have heard otherwise from one of the official
sources listed below, assume that Western Michigan University
is open and will remain open as scheduled.

Branch campus closings

When the main campus in Kalamazoo is closed, all branch campuses
will close as well. Branch campuses may sometimes determine a
closure is necessary even when the main campus is open. If you
are enrolled at a branch campus, always check that campus' Web
page or call that campus directly for closure information.

University closings

There are three ways to find out if WMU is closed due
to severe weather or some other emergency condition. The following
applies only to closings of the entire University.

1. Go to www.wmich.edu

Closing announcements will be posted immediately on the WMU
home page under WMU News, and additional information, including
any cancellations of public events on campus, will be posted
in WMU News as soon as the information is available. Links
to WMU News can be found in GoWMU and on many other University
Web pages. Remember to "refresh" or "reload"
Web pages to see the most-recent version.

2. Call (269) 387-1001

Closing announcements will be available immediately at (269)
387-1001. This includes announcements that the University is
closed, as well as announcements that the University will be
closing at a specified time later in the day.

3. Radio and Television

As soon as a decision to close WMU is made, area radio and
television stations are immediately notified by University officials.
Based on past experience, the radio and television stations in
West Michigan do an excellent job of promptly and accurately
reporting school closings.

Assume WMU is open

In the absence of notification to the contrary via one of
the official methods listed above, all normal operations will
continue as scheduled. Assume WMU is open. University closings
due to severe weather are very rare. In the past eight years,
the University closed for an entire day only three times.